The Economic Context


Lesson 1 Lesson 2 Lesson 3 Lesson 4 Lesson 5 End of Unit Test


Lesson Objectives

  • Explain the concept of exchange rates (A)
  • Understand how exchange rates can affect small businesses (B)


Starter ( 15 mins)


Find out the UK cost of
Ipad mini 16gb wifi AND Ipad air 128gb wifi with cellular

Now find out the US cost for THE SAME 2 PRODUCTS

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Look up todays dollar to pound exchange rate and convert the US prices to UK prices - are they the same as the original UK prices?


Keywords (5 mins)

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Information (10 mins)


Exchange rates are the rates at which one currency is changed into another. They affect all businesses as it is impossible to operate without relying on at least commodities being "bought" from outside your own currency. Oil prices are charged in dollars and no business operates without using oil in some way.

If the pound goes UP
  • Firms EXPORTING sell less as they are more expensive
  • Firms COMPETING against imported goods loose sales as they are less competitive
  • Firms IMPORTING materials will see costs fall and profits rise

If the pound goes DOWN
  • Firms EXPORTING goods sell more as their goods are cheaper
  • Firms COMPETING against imported goods gain sales as the imported goods cost more
  • Firms IMPORTING goods will see their costs rise and profits fall


Activity (10 mins)


Make a list of 5 items you purchase that are made outside the UK........

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What will happen to the prices of these goods if there is a SUSTAINED fall in the pound...

Task (15 mins)

Find out the UK's top 5 imports and exports

What does this tell you about the BALANCE of trade in the UK - will a strong or weak pound have a major impact?


Plenary (5 mins)

Discuss with a friend WHY do you think there is a such a huge price gap in the iPads, what else could account for that other than interest rates?

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